Level

ABSTRACT

A level includes a frame having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a web coupling the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The top planar surface and the bottom planar surface are parallel. The level further includes a vial supported by the frame. The vial has a longitudinal axis passing through a center of the vial and a body defining an interior containing a liquid and an indicator bubble. The level further includes a plurality of LEDs. Each of the LEDs has a light emitting point, and each of the plurality of LEDs is positioned adjacent an end of the vial and is oriented such that the light emitting point is positioned within the interior of the body of the vial.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/983,868, filed May 18, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/939,733, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,001,371, filed onNov. 12, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/079,062, filed on Nov. 13, 2014; and to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/195,037, filed on Jul. 21, 2015,all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vials for levels, and more particularlyto vials with improved visibility. The present invention further relatesto levels having LEDs to illuminate the vials.

Levels are typically used for determining whether an object or surfaceis level to a particular surface or adjusting an object to a levelsurface. Levels are typically used to measure and level at variousangles (e.g., 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees). Levelstypically include a vial that includes spirit (i.e., fluid) and a bubblesuspended in the spirit. As the level tilts the bubble shifts in thevial to indicate if the level is at the desired angle. For low lightsituations some levels include light sources to illuminate the vials andprovide increased visibility and readability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a level that includes a framehaving a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a web couplingthe top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The top planarsurface and the bottom planar surface being parallel. The level furtherincludes a vial supported by the frame. The vial having a longitudinalaxis passing through a center of the vial and a body defining aninterior containing a liquid and an indicator bubble. The level furtherincludes a plurality of LEDs. Each of the LEDs has a light emittingpoint, and each of the plurality of LEDs is positioned adjacent an endof the vial and is oriented such that the light emitting point ispositioned within the interior of the body of the vial.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a level that includes aframe having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a webcoupling the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The topplanar surface and the bottom planar surface are parallel. The levelfurther includes a plurality of vials each supported by the frameincluding a first vial having a first longitudinal axis that is orientedin a first vial orientation, and a second vial having a secondlongitudinal axis that is oriented in a second vial orientation notparallel with the first vial orientation. The level further includes afirst light source associated with the first vial, and a second lightsource associated with the second vial. The level further includes anorientation sensor that is electrically coupled to the plurality oflight sources. The orientation sensor is configured to turn on the firstlight source when the level is in a first level orientationcorresponding to the first vial orientation to illuminate the firstvial, and to turn on the second light source when the level is in asecond level orientation corresponding to the second vial orientation ofthe second vial to illuminate the second vial.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a level that includesa frame having a top planar surface, a bottom planar surface, and a webcoupling the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface. The topplanar surface and the bottom planar surface are parallel. The levelfurther includes a vial supported by the frame. The level furtherincludes a first constituent contained within the vial, a secondconstituent contained within the vial and movable within the firstconstituent in response to orientation of the level, and a thirdconstituent contained within the vial and cooperating with the first andsecond constituents to increase visibility of the second constituentwithin the first constituent.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a level embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the level of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the level of FIG. 1 taken alongline 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the level of FIG. 1 taken alongline 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the level of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the level of FIG. 1 according toanother configuration.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of the level of FIG. 1 according toyet another configuration.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the level of FIG. 1 according tostill yet another configuration.

FIG. 9 illustrates a vial and an LED arranged in a first configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates the vial and the LED arranged in a secondconfiguration.

FIG. 11 illustrates the vial and two LEDs arranged in a thirdconfiguration.

FIG. 12 illustrates the vial and an LED arranged in a fourthconfiguration.

FIG. 13 illustrates a vial including an insert.

FIG. 14 illustrates a vial including reflective strips.

FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating a vial having a bubble with improvedvisibility.

FIG. 16 is a top planar view illustrating a flat vial.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the flat vial of FIG. 16 takenalong line 17-17.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the flat vial of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating an annular vial in a firstorientation.

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the annular vial of FIG. 5 in asecond orientation.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of a vial in a horizontalposition.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the vial of FIG. 21,illustrated in a tilted position relative to the horizontal position ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a vial including a solid indicator.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the vial of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of a digitallevel.

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of an electronic case mounting assembly ofthe digital level of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a partially exploded end view of the digital level of FIG.25.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged back view of the digital level of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a battery compartment for a level.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the batterycompartment of FIG. 29, illustrating the battery case mounted within alevel.

FIG. 31 is a top planar view of the battery compartment of FIG. 29,illustrating the battery compartment cover removed.

FIG. 32 is an enlarged exploded view of a level.

FIG. 33 is a side planar view of the level of FIG. 32, illustrating acartridge inserted within a frame of the level.

FIG. 34 is a cross sectional side view of the level of FIG. 32,illustrating internal channels of the cartridge.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a magnet mounting assembly.

FIG. 36 is an exploded view of the magnet mounting assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the magnet mountingassembly of FIG. 35, illustrating the magnet mounting assembly supportedwithin the level of FIG. 32.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a level 10 for determining whether an object orsurface is level relative to true horizontal or adjusting an object orsurface to be a level surface relative to true horizontal. The level 10may be used to measure and level at different angles, e.g., 0 degrees,and 90 degrees. In alternate embodiments the level 10 may be used tomeasure and level at additional angles, e.g., 30 degrees, and 45degrees. It should be readily apparent that the level 10 may be used bya variety of users and skilled technicians to perform a variety ofleveling functions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the level 10 is a box type level and hasa frame 12 that includes a pair of parallel webs 14 coupled to each of atop planar surface 18, and a bottom planar surface 22. The top planarsurface 18 is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the bottomplanar surface 22. The pair of parallel webs 14, top planar surface 18,and the bottom planar surface 22, define a hollow box-shaped interior ofthe level 10.

The frame 12 also supports a plurality of vial assemblies 26, 30. In theillustrated embodiment, the frame 12 supports three vial assemblies, alevel or horizontal vial assembly 26, and a pair of plumb or verticalvial assemblies 30. Each of the vial assemblies 26, 30 includes acorresponding vial 34, 38. The vial 34, or 0-degree, or horizontal vial,of the horizontal vial assembly 26 is a level vial for measuringhorizontal (i.e., level) and has a longitudinal axis A that is parallelwith the top planar surface 18 and the bottom planar surface 22, asshown in FIG. 3. The vials 38, or 90-degree vials, or vertical vials, ofthe vertical vial assembly 30 are plumb vials for measuring vertical(i.e., plumb), each having a longitudinal axis B that is perpendicularto the top planar surface 18 and the bottom planar surface 22, as shownin FIG. 4. In other embodiments, the frame 12 may support fewer or morevial assemblies and corresponding vials. For example, one or moreadditional vials each with a longitudinal axis that is oriented at 30degrees, or 45 degrees relative to the top planar surface 18 and thebottom planar surface 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the vials34, 38 contains a liquid 42, a gas bubble 46, and a series of markings50. The gas bubble 46 is suspended in the liquid 42 and acts as anindicator relative to the markings 50. In some embodiments, the liquid42 and the gas bubble 46 may be replaced with a first and second fluidthat are immiscible relative to one another, as discussed below.Additionally, each of the vials 34, 38 is made of glass, acrylic,plastic, or other material that is at least partially transparent toallow for viewing of the liquid 42 and the gas bubble 46 within thevials 34, 38.

As the angle of the level 10 (and therefore the angle of each of thevials 34, 38) changes relative to a fixed axis (i.e., gravity, truehorizontal, etc.), the gas bubble 46 moves within each of the vials 34,38 along the long axis A, B. Each of the vials 34, 38 can be used todetermine the orientation of a surface or object to be leveled relativeto the level 10 (i.e., the fixed axis). The position of the gas bubble46 with respect to the markings 50 allows the user to determine theorientation of the surface or object to be leveled relative to thecorresponding vial 34, 38. For example, when the top planar surface 18engages the surface or object to be leveled, the surface or object to beleveled is level (i.e., horizontal) when the gas bubble 46 is centeredalong the long axis A of the horizontal vial 34 between the markings 50.

With reference to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the horizontalvial assembly 26 further includes an outer mounting structure 54 and aninner mounting structure 58. The vial 34 of the horizontal vial assembly26 includes a vial body 62, a pair of vial end caps 66, and an innersleeve 70. The vial body 62 defines a barrel shaped bore or interior 74that contains the liquid 42 and the gas bubble 46. The inner sleeve 70is positioned within the bore 74, such that an outer surface of theinner sleeve 70 is in contact with a surface of the bore 74. Each of thepair of vial end caps 66 is received within the bore 74 at opposing endsof the vial body 62 to retain the liquid 42 and the gas bubble 46 withinthe bore 74.

The outer mounting structure 54 is secured to the frame 12 via screws78. The outer mounting structure 54 has a generally U-shaped structureand is configured to be received in a U-shaped cutout 82 extendingthrough the top planar surface 18 and the pair of webs 14. The innermounting structure 58 also has a generally U-shaped structure and issupported by the outer mounting structure 54. The inner mountingstructure 58 is calibrated relative to the outer mounting structure 54and secured within the outer mounting structure 54 via adhesive. Theinner mounting structure 58 supports the vial 34. In some embodimentsthe outer mounting structure 54 includes snap-fits to secure thehorizontal vial assembly 26 to the frame 12, or may be secured by otherfastening methods. In alternate embodiments, the vial 34 may be securedto the frame 12 by any means that holds the vial 34 in place, forexample, by threaded set screws, or adhesive.

The horizontal vial assembly 26 also includes an ultra-violet (UV) lightsource. As shown in FIG. 3, the UV light source includes a pair of lightemitting diodes 86 (LEDs) that emit UV light. In the illustratedembodiment, the LEDs are aligned along the longitudinal axis A of thevial 34. The LEDs 86 are each received within a corresponding well orrecess 90 defined in each of the vial end caps 66, such that the vialend caps 66 support the LEDs 86. Each of the LEDs 86 have electricalleads that extend through a corresponding aperture 94 in the innermounting structure 58. Each LED 86 is configured to emit UV light withinthe vial 34 when receiving power. In some embodiments, the LEDs 86 mayemit light having a wavelength between about 375 nanometers and about410 nanometers. In other embodiments, the LEDs 86 may emit light havingother wavelengths within (or outside of) the UV spectrum. In alternateembodiments, the LEDs 86 may emit another color (i.e., wavelength) oflight all together, such as light within the visible light spectrum. Insuch embodiments, the visible light may be any color desired.

The vial assembly 26 also includes an ultra-violet (UV) sensitivecomponent. The UV sensitive component reacts to UV light, making thevial 34 more visible to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the UVsensitive component includes the inner sleeve 70, or optical brightenersleeve. The optical brightener sleeve 70 includes an additive embeddedtherein. During manufacture of the optical brightener sleeve 70, theadditive may be mixed with and dispersed within the glass, acrylic,plastic, or other material that makes up the inner sleeve 70. Theadditive causes UV light rays emitted by the LEDs 86 to react with theinner sleeve 70 as they are transmitted outward from the axis A of thevial 34, making the vial 34 more visible to the user. Specifically, theadditive within the inner sleeve 70 absorbs a portion of the UV lightrays emitted by the LEDs 86. The absorbed UV light reacts with theadditive causing the additive to emit visible light. The visible lightemitted by the reaction causes the vial 34 to be brightened and morevisible to a user. In other words, the additive within the opticalbrightener sleeve 70 causes the optical brightener sleeve 70, andtherefore the vial 34, to glow (i.e., fluoresce or luminesce), therebymaking the vial 34 more visible to the user, when exposed to UV lightemitted from the LEDs 86. The wavelength of light emitted by the LEDs86, and the corresponding UV sensitive components of the vial 34, can bechosen based on the desired glow color of the vial 34 (e.g., red, blue,etc.). Additionally, a portion of the UV light rays are reflected withinthe sleeve 70 back toward the axis A of the vial 34, most of thereflected UV light rays are eventually absorbed, thereby increasingdispersion and absorption of the UV light rays emitted by the LEDs 86.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the LEDs 86 are positioned onopposite ends of the vial 34 and aligned along the long axis A such thatlight is distributed within the bore 74 of the vial 34 and reflected bythe optical brightener sleeve 70 symmetrically, thereby illuminating thevial 34 more equally throughout. The vial end caps 66 each extend intothe vial 34 such that the LEDs 86 extend at least partially into thebore 74 of the vial body 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the opticalbrightener sleeve 70 is positioned within the bore 74 of the vial body62 to extend over the vial end caps 66. Further, the LEDs 86 aresupported within the vial end caps 66 such that a light emitting pointof each of the LEDs 86 is positioned axially within the opticalbrightener sleeve 70. The light emitting point is defined as therearmost center point of a light emission cone, hemisphere, or sphereemitted by one of the LEDs 86 (i.e., a light origin point of one of theLEDs 86). In other words, the optical brightener sleeve 70 surrounds thelight emitting point in all the directions in which light is emitted (inthis example a hemisphere) such that most UV light emitted by the LEDs86 reacts with or is reflected by the optical brightener sleeve 70increasing dispersion within the vial 34, and thereby increasing thevisibility of the vial 34. In alternate embodiments, the LEDs 86 may beoffset relative to the longitudinal axis A of the vial 34 and tiltedrelative to the longitudinal axis A of the vial 34 such that a center oflight is not directed directly axially along the axis A within vial 34,but rather at an angle to the long axis A and toward the opticalbrightener sleeve 70, as shown in FIG. 11 and described below. Thisconfiguration allows for increased reflection and dispersion of the UVlight rays within the optical brightener sleeve 70.

In alternate embodiments, the UV sensitive component includes theadditive embedded within the vial body 62 directly, in addition to, orin lieu of, the optical brightener sleeve 70. Similar to the opticalbrightener sleeve 70, during manufacture of the vial 34, the additivemay be mixed with and dispersed within the glass, acrylic, plastic, orother material that makes up the vial 34. Additionally or alternatively,the UV sensitive component (i.e., the optical brightener sleeve 70and/or the vial body 62) may include a coating (e.g., an acrylicsubstrate) applied to a surface. In such embodiments, the coating mayinclude additional additives to increase the intensity of the glow whenexposed to UV light, or alternatively the coating may be reflective toincrease dispersion within the vial.

In further alternate embodiments, the UV sensitive component includes aUV sensitive liquid, rather than the liquid 42 contained within the vial34, in addition to, or in lieu of, the optical brightener sleeve 70. TheUV sensitive liquid helps increase the visibility of the gas bubble 46.In some embodiments, the liquid may be a fluorescent or phosphorescentchemical. In alternate embodiments, an additive may be added to theliquid 42 to make the liquid 42 UV sensitive, such that when exposed toUV light, the UV sensitive liquid glows (i.e., fluoresces orluminesces), thereby increasing the contrast between the liquid 42 andthe bubble 46.

In further alternate embodiments, the vial 34 may include two liquids(rather than a liquid 42 and a gas bubble 46). The first liquid fills amajority of the vial 34 and is a UV sensitive liquid. The second liquidfills a minority of the vial 34 and is not sensitive to UV light. Thesecond liquid is also immiscible with the first liquid so that the twoliquids remain separate. When exposed to UV light, the second liquidwould provide a relatively dark spot within the vial 34. Alternatively,the second liquid could be UV sensitive, and the first liquid could beinsensitive to UV light. In such embodiments, the second liquid glowsbrighter than the first liquid when exposed to UV light, such that thegas bubble 46 contrasts within the liquid 42 increasing visibility ofthe gas bubble 46. In embodiments in which the vial 34 contains or iscoated with the UV sensitive component, the first liquid and the secondliquid may have contrasting colors that become more visible when thevial 34 glows. In further embodiments, the two liquids may both be UVsensitive, but have different colors and/or intensities when exposed toUV light. Alternatively, the two liquids could both be insensitive to UVlight, but have a high contrast in certain colors.

With reference to FIG. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, each of thevertical vial assemblies 30 further includes a plurality of outermounting structures 154A, 154B and a pair of inner mounting structuresor vial surrounds 158. Similar to the vial 34 of the horizontal vialassembly 26, the vial 38 of each of the vertical vial assemblies 30includes a cylindrical vial body 162 that defines a barrel shaped boreor interior 174 containing the liquid 42 and the gas bubble 46, and apair of vial end caps 166. The vial 38 is supported between the pair ofinner mounting structures 158. The pair of inner mounting structures 158is made of glass, acrylic, plastic, or other material that is at leastpartially transparent to allow the vial 38 to be viewed through theinner mounting structures 158. The inner mounting structures 158, andthus the vial 38, are supported between the plurality of outer mountingstructures 154A, 154B. The plurality of outer mounting structures 154A,154B are secured together via a pair of screws 178. Each of the verticalvial assemblies 30 are mounted in a circular cut out 182 that extendsthrough the webs 14. Each of the outer mounting structures 154A, 154Bdefines a viewing window for viewing the vial 38. In alternateembodiments, the vials 38 of vertical vial assemblies 30 may be securedto the frame 12 by any means that hold the vials 34 in place (e.g.,epoxy or other adhesives).

With continued reference to FIG. 4, similar to the horizontal vialassembly 26, each of a pair of vial end caps 166 is received at opposingends of the vial body 162 within the bore 174 to retain the liquid 42and the bubble 46 within the bore 174. Each of the vertical vialassemblies 30 further includes a pair of LEDs 186. The LEDs 186 are eachsupported by the inner mounting structures 158 and received within anaperture 194 defined when both the inner mounting structures 158 arecombined. The aperture 194 aligns the LED 186 with the longitudinal axisB of the vial 38. Similar to the LEDs 86 of the horizontal vial assembly26, the LEDs 186 are at least partially received by a corresponding well90 defined by each of the vial end caps 166, such that the LEDs 186axially extend along the longitudinal axis B of the vial 38 into thebore 74. Specifically, the light emitting point of each of the LEDs 186is positioned axially within the vial body 162. The LEDs 186 may beconfigured to emit visible light, UV light, or any other type of lightto illuminate the vials 38.

In alternate embodiments, each of the vials 38 may include an opticalbrightener sleeve similar to the optical brightener sleeve 70 of thehorizontal vial assembly 26, as described above and shown in FIG. 3.Furthermore, the vials 38 of the vertical vial assemblies 30 may includeany of the UV sensitive components as described above with respect tothe horizontal vial assembly 26 to increase the visibility of any one,or all, of the vial 38, the liquid 50, and the bubble 46. For example,the inner or outer surface of the vial body 162 may include a coating(e.g., an acrylic substrate) applied to a surface that glows orilluminate when exposed to UV light.

In further alternate embodiments, the UV sensitive component includesthe additive embedded within the pair of vial surrounds 158. Similar tothe optical brightener sleeve 70 of the horizontal vial assembly 26,during manufacture of the pair of vial surrounds 158 the additive may bemixed with and dispersed within the glass, acrylic, plastic, or othermaterial that makes up the vial surrounds 158. Additionally oralternatively, the UV sensitive component (i.e., the optical brightenerand/or the vial body 162) may include a coating (e.g., an acrylicsubstrate) applied to a surface. In such embodiments, the coating mayinclude additional additives to increase the intensity of the glow whenexposed to UV light, or alternatively the coating may be reflective toincrease dispersion within the vial.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate various alternative configurations for positioningthe LEDS 86, 186 relative to the vials 34, 38 for both the horizontaland vertical vial assemblies 30. Although, illustrated and describedwith reference to the LEDS 86 and the vial 34 of the horizontal assembly26, the configurations apply equally to the LEDs 186 and vial 38 of thevertical vial assemblies 30. As shown in FIG. 9, rather than include apair of LEDS 86, a single one of the LEDS 86 is positioned adjacent aside of the corresponding vial 34 (i.e., radially spaced from alongitudinal axis A of the vial 34). When the LED 86 emits UV lighttoward the vial 34, the vial 34 and/or the liquid 42 contained with thevial 34 is illuminated. The bubble 46 (or second liquid) casts a shadowalong a section of the vial 34. The shadow forms a band or strip 196within the vial 34 that is easily visible to a user relative to themarkings 50, thus, providing increased visibility and readability. Insome embodiments, the LED 86 is supported by the frame 12. In otherembodiments the LED 86 may be supported by the inner or outer mountingstructure 54, 58 of the horizontal vial assembly 26, or the inner orouter mounting structures 154A, 154B, 158 of the vertical vialassemblies 30.

As shown in FIG. 10, rather than including two LEDS 86 positionedadjacent opposite ends, in some configurations only one LED 86 ispositioned adjacent an end of the vial 34 along the longitudinal axis Aof the vial 34. When the LED 86 emits UV light toward the vial 34, theUV light travels through the vial 34 to illuminate the vial 34 and/orthe liquid 42 contained within the vial 34. The bubble 46 (or secondliquid) is not illuminated and is, therefore, easily visible to a user.Alternatively, the bubble 46 may be illuminated, but contrast the liquid42 to be easily visible to the user. Although not shown, the LED 86 maybe supported by one of the vial end caps 66 of the vial 34.

As shown in FIG. 11, the vial 34 is associated with the pair of LEDS 86.One LED 86 is positioned adjacent each end of the vial 34 similar to theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. However, the LEDs 86 are tiltedrelative to the central longitudinal axis A of the vial 34. In addition,the LEDs 86 are offset relative to the central longitudinal axis A ofthe vial 34. In some embodiments, the LEDs 86 may be only tilted or onlyoffset relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the vial 34.Although, not shown, the LEDs 86 may be supported by the end caps 66 ofthe vial 34. The wells 90 of the vial end caps 66 may be configured tobe tilted and/or offset relative to the longitudinal axis A of the vial34 to facilitate supporting the LEDs 86 in this orientation. In someembodiments, each of the wells 90 of the vial end caps 66 has an axisthat forms an angle with the longitudinal axis A of the vial 34 that isbetween about 15 degrees and about 45 degrees (e.g., about 20, degrees,about 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, and about 40degrees). In such embodiments, the LEDs 86 are received within the wells90 such that each of the LEDs 86 are coaxial with the corresponding axisof the wells 90 and thus are oriented relative to the longitudinal axisA of the vials 34 at an angle corresponding to the angle between theaxis of the wells 90 and the longitudinal axis A of the vials 34. Thiscauses the light emitted by the LEDs 86 to be directed at angle to thelongitudinal axis A rather than directly axially along the longitudinalaxis A. If an optical brightener sleeve 70 is used, increased reflectionof light will occur increasing the efficiency of light dispersion andabsorption within the vial 34.

As shown in FIG. 12, a single one of the LEDs 86 is in communicationwith the vial 34 via light pipes 198. The light pipes 198 may be, forexample, tubes, cables (fiber optic), or fibers capable of transmittinglight. The illustrated light pipes 198 direct light from the LED 86 toboth ends of the vial 34. In other embodiments, the light pipes 198 maydirect light to only one end of the vial 34. Additionally, the lightpipes 198 allow the LED 86 to be positioned in any location relative tothe vial 34. In some embodiments, when the light pipes 198 are used incombination with the optical brightener sleeve 70, a light emittingpoint of each of the light pipes 198 may be positioned axially withinthe optical brightener sleeve 70 to reflect all or nearly all the lightemitted from the light pipes 198, thus, increasing the efficiency oflight dispersion and absorption within the vial 34.

Referring back to FIG. 3 and with reference to FIG. 5, the level 10 alsoincludes a power source 98, and a push button 102 (i.e., power switch).The power source 96 and the push button 102 are supported by the pair ofwebs 14 of the frame 12 of the level 10. In the illustrated embodiment,the power source 98 is a battery, or a plurality of batteries as shownin the illustrated embodiment. The batteries 98 may be standard AA orAAA (or any other type of battery, e.g., lithium cell) batteries thatare removable and replaceable. In other embodiments, the batteries 98may be a rechargeable battery (or batteries) that is integrated into thelevel 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the level 10 further includes a controlleror processor 106 (e.g., a PCB). The push button 102 and the LEDs 86, 186are coupled to the processor 106. Actuating the push button 102 a firsttime switches to a first lighting configuration, in which the LEDs 86corresponding to the vial 34 of the horizontal vial assembly 26 areswitched on, thereby illuminating only the vial 34 of the horizontalvial assembly 26. Actuating the push button 102 a second time switchesto a second lighting configuration, in which the LEDs 86 are switchedoff and the LEDs 186 corresponding to the vials 38 of the vertical vialassembly 30 are switched on, such that only the vials 38 of the verticalvial assembly 30 are illuminated. In some embodiments, actuating thepush button 102 a third time switches back to the first lightingconfiguration, while in other embodiments all of the LEDs 86, 186 areswitched off or on. In some embodiments, pressing and holding the pushbutton 102 down in a depressed position for a predetermined amount oftime switches off all of the LEDs 86, 186. The processor 106 furtherincludes a timer to turn off all of the LEDs 86, 186 automatically aftera set period of time expires (e.g., about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, orabout 3 minutes). It should be understood that although the inventionhas been described such that the LEDs 86, 186 emit UV light, inalternate embodiments the LEDs 86, 186 may emit visible light or anyother type of light.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative configuration of the level 10. Thepush button 102 is a power switch (i.e., on/off switch) electricallycoupled between the battery 98 and the LEDS 86, 186. The switch 102 isactuated by a user to selectively turn all of the LEDS 86, 186 on andoff to illuminate the vials 34, 38. In further alternative embodiments,the power switch 102 may be actuated to turn the LEDS 86, 186 on for aset period of time (e.g., about 1 minute, about 2 minutes, or about 3minutes). In such embodiments, the LEDS 86, 186 may automatically turnoff after the set period of time expires.

FIG. 7 illustrates another alternative configuration of the level 10.The illustrated level 10 further includes an orientation or positionsensor 110. The processor 106 is coupled to the LEDs 86, 186 and theposition sensor 110. The position sensor 110 is operable to determine anorientation of the level 110 relative to a reference axis (e.g., gravityor true horizontal). In the illustrated embodiment, the position sensor110 is an accelerometer. In other embodiments, other suitable positionsensors may also or alternatively be employed. The processor 106 isconfigured, such that depending on the detected orientation of the level10, the processor 106 selectively powers the LEDs 86, 186. For example,when the level 10 is orientated generally horizontally, the processor106 may turn on the LEDs 86 corresponding to the 0-degree vial 34 of thehorizontal vial assembly 26. Alternatively, when the level 10 isoriented generally vertically, the processor 106 may turn on the LEDs186 corresponding to the 90-degree vials 38 of the vertical vialassemblies 30. In alternate embodiments, when the level 10 is orientatedat an oblique angle, the processor 106 may turn on LEDs corresponding toa 30-degree vial, a 45-degree vial, and/or a 60-degree vial.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another alternative configuration of the level10. In this configuration of the level 10, the level 10 includes asingle light source or LED 86 and light pipes 116 extending between theLED 86 and the vials 34, 38. The light pipes 116 guide UV light from theLED 86 toward the vials 34, 38 to selectively illuminate the vials 34,38. In alternative embodiments, the level 10 may include additionallight pipes extending between the LED 86 and the vials 34, 38 such thatboth ends of the vials 34, 38 are illuminated, as shown in FIG. 12. Insome embodiments, the light pipes 116 may be channels formed in the webof the level 210. In other embodiments, the light pipes 116 may betubes, cables (fiber optic), or fibers that are supported within or bythe frame 12 of the level 10. Although only one LED 86 is showncommunicating with all of the vials 34, 38 in some embodiments, an LEDarray may be used to illuminate the vials 34, 38. Additionally oralternatively, the level 10 may include multiple LEDs (or LED arrays)that each illuminate multiple vials (e.g., a first LED that illuminatesthe vials 38 of the vertical vial assemblies 30 and a second LED thatilluminates the vial 34 of the horizontal vial assembly 26) throughlight pipes.

FIGS. 13-24 illustrate various vials having various constructions toincrease visibility, accuracy and readability. The vials of FIGS. 15-24may be configured with the level 10 in place of the vials 34, 38. Thevials of FIGS. 13-24 may be configured with the level 10 andcorresponding reference surfaces (i.e., top planar surface 18, andbottom planar surface 22) of the level 10, such that the vials areoriented to determine if a surface is plumb (i.e., vertical), level(i.e., horizontal), or oriented at any other desired reference angle.The vials of FIGS. 13-24 may be formed from glass, a clear polymer(e.g., acrylic), plastic, or another suitable material. Alternatively,the vials may be configured with any other suitable tool, device, orstructure.

FIG. 13 illustrates another construction of a vial 234 for use with alevel. Similar to the vials 34, 38 discussed above, the vial 234includes a liquid 242, a bubble 246, and markings 250. The illustratedvial 234 further includes an insert 262 positioned within the liquid242. The insert 262 includes two legs 266. The bubble 246 is capturedbetween the legs 266 so that the insert 262 moves with the bubble 246relative to the markings 250. The legs 266 provide very distinct linesindicating ends of the bubble 246 relative to the markings 250. In theillustrated embodiment, the legs 266 are translucent or transparent sothat light can pass through the legs 266 from one end of the vial 234 tothe other end of the vial 234. In some embodiments, the legs 266 mayalso or alternatively be colored. Additionally or alternatively, thelegs 266 may include a UV sensitive component embedded in or coated onthe legs 266 so that the legs 266 glow when exposed to UV light. In suchan embodiment the UV light may be emitted by LEDs, as described above.

FIG. 14 illustrates another construction of a vial 334 for use with alevel. Similar to the vials 34, 38 discussed above, the vial 334includes a liquid 342, a bubble 346, and markings 458. The illustratedvial 334 further includes reflective strips 362. The reflective strips362 wrap around portions of the vial 334. In the illustrated embodiment,the reflective strips 362 wrap around portions of the vial 334 adjacentends of the vial 334 so that the strips 362 do not interfere with themarkings 350. The strips 362 could be located inside or outside of thevial 334. Each reflective strip 362 includes an inner surface (i.e., thesurface facing into the vial 334) that is white or made of a reflectivecolor or material. The inner surface reflects lights from a light source(e.g., LEDs) to increase the intensity of the light within the vial 334.In some embodiments, the inner surface of the strips 362 may include aUV sensitive component that glows when exposed to UV light. Additionallyor alternatively, outer surfaces (i.e., the surfaces facing away fromthe vial 334) of the strips 362 may be darkened so that the strips 334do not distract a user.

FIG. 15 illustrates another construction of a vial 400 for use with alevel. The vial 400 includes an interior cavity that holds a first andsecond constituent. The first constituent is a first fluid 404 (e.g.,alcohol, mineral spirit, etc.) and the second constituent is a secondfluid 408 (e.g., air, liquid, etc.). The first fluid 404 and the secondfluid 408 are relatively immiscible. The second fluid 408 is suspendedin the first fluid 404 forming a globule or bubble 412 to act as aninclination indicator. The first fluid 404 and the second fluid 408define an interface 414 between exterior surfaces of the second fluid408 and the first fluid 404. The vial 400 further includes a thirdconstituent or material 416 that is attracted to and collects on theexterior surface of the second fluid 408. The third material 416 may bea third fluid immiscible with the first and second fluids 404, 408, aparticulate, or any other suitable material that is attracted to thesecond fluid 408 and not the first fluid 404, or alternatively repelledby the first fluid 104. The third material 416 may partially or entirelysurround the bubble 412, in other words the third material 416 maypartially or entirely enclose the exterior surface of the bubble, andmay have various thicknesses. The third material 416 accentuates theperipheral boundaries of the bubble 412 to provide improved visibilityof the bubble 412 within the vial 400, and improved readability of theposition of the bubble 412 relative to a pair of marking lines 420 ofthe vial 400. In one embodiment, the third material 416 may be UVsensitive such that the third material 416 glows or illuminates whenexposed to UV sensitive light. In another embodiment, the first fluid404, the second fluid 408, and the third material 416 may be oil, water,and soap (e.g., dish soap), respectively. In another embodiment, whenthe third material 416 becomes separated from the surface of the bubble412 (e.g., by dropping the level, shaking, agitation, etc.), the thirdmaterial 416 is configured to return to the surface of the bubble 412 ina predetermined amount of time (e.g., in less than about 3 seconds, inanother embodiment, in less than about 2 seconds, in another embodiment,in less than about 1 second, in another embodiment, in less than about0.5 seconds).

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a flat vial 500 for use with a level. The flatvial 500 includes a transparent elongated block 502 that has a bottomside 504, a top side 506 and a pair of vertical sides 508. The block 502defines a T-shaped interior cavity 510, as shown in FIG. 17. Inaddition, similar to the vial 34 as discussed above the cavity 510 isfilled with a first fluid 520 and an air bubble 524, or immisciblesecond fluid, to act as an inclination indicator. The T-shaped interiorcavity 510 has a first, vertical portion 512 parallel with the verticalsides 508, and a second, horizontal portion 516 parallel with the topside 506. With reference to FIG. 16, the second portion 516 has a widthW2 that is significantly wider than a width W1 of the first portion 512.In addition, with reference to FIG. 17, the second portion 516 has aheight H2 significantly less than a height H1 of the first portion 512(e.g., the height H2 of the second portion 516 may be less than 1/16thof an inch, i.e., less than approximately 1.5 mm). Thus, the visibilityof the second portion 516 is minimized when viewing the bubble 524 fromeither of the vertical sides 508. In some embodiments, the thirdmaterial 416 of the vial 400 of FIG. 15 may be used to provide furthervisibility of the bubble 524 of the vial 500 of FIGS. 16-18, asdescribed above with respect to vial 400 of FIG. 15. In addition, thefirst portion 512 and the second portion 516 both have a concave barrelshape so that the bubble 524 settles toward the center of the secondportion 516 when the flat vial 500 is horizontal.

In use, the vial 500 of FIGS. 16-18 provides enhanced visibility byforcing the bubble 524 to appear larger in the views where it typicallyappears small. For example, from either of the vertical sides 508 (FIG.18) the bubble 524 is seen extending horizontally across the firstportion 512 of the cavity 508 providing for increased visibility of thebubble 524. When viewing the vial 500 from the top side 506 (FIG. 16) aportion of the bubble may be located in the second portion 516 such thatthe bubble 524 may be seen extending across the second portion 516 ofthe cavity 508, which may provide for increased visibility of the bubble524 based on the greater dimension of the width W2 of the second portion516 compared to that of the width W1 of the first portion 512 (i.e.,compared to a flat vial without a second portion 516). Thus, the secondportion 516 provides improved visibility of the bubble 524 andreadability of the position of the bubble 524 relative to a pair ofindicator lines 528, when viewing the bubble 524 from the top side 506,as shown in FIG. 16. Without the second portion 516 the bubble 524 wouldbe as thin as the width W1 of the first portion 512. Thus, the bubble524 would be difficult to see and read when viewing from the top side506.

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate an annular vial 600 for use with a level. Theannular vial 600 including a disc-shaped body 604. The body 604 definesan annular interior cavity 606 with a varying cross-sectional area. Theinterior cavity 606 contains a first fluid 608 and air 610, oralternatively a second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid 608,similar to the vial 400 of FIG. 15 as discussed above. The interiorcavity 606 has a first portion 612 and a second portion 616 opposite thefirst portion 612. The first portion 612 has a first width A1 defining afirst cross-sectional area and the second portion 616 has a second widthA2 defining a second cross-sectional area. The annular vial 600 furtherhas a central solid portion 618 positioned centrally within the interiorcavity 606 and extending asymmetrically into the first and secondportions 612, 616. The solid portion 618 extends further into the secondportion 616 of the cavity 606 than the first portion 612, such that thefirst width A1 is wider than the second width A2. Due to the depth(i.e., dimension perpendicular to FIGS. 19-20) of the cavity 606 beinguniform, the first cross-sectional area is greater than the secondcross-sectional area. As such, the first portion 612 has a larger volumethan the second portion 616. Due to the difference in volume between thefirst portion 612 and the second portion 616, tilting the annular vial600 from a first position, shown in FIG. 19, to a second position, shownin FIG. 20, displaces the fluid 608 from the first portion 612 to thesecond portion 616 causing a small change in the amount of fluid 608that occupies the first portion 612 (as a function of the total amountof fluid in the first portion 612) while causing a large change in theamount of fluid 608 that occupies the second portion 616 (as a functionof the total amount of fluid in the second portion 616), as shown inFIG. 20. In other words, a small change in the height of a meniscus 622,or fluid level, (i.e., area where the first fluid 608 and the air 610are in contact) of the fluid 608 in the first portion 612 causes a largechange in height of a meniscus 626 of the fluid 608 in the secondportion 616 as fluid 608 is forced through the second portion 616. Thus,small angular changes of the annular vial 600 have increasedperceptibility and readability due to the large change in the height ofthe fluid in the second portion 616 of the cavity 606. As such, asurface can be more accurately measured for level or plumb using theannular vial 600. In some embodiments the depth (i.e., the dimensionperpendicular to FIG. 19) of the cavity may be larger in the firstportion 612 than in the second portion 616 to provide a largerdifference in volume between the first portion 612 and the secondportion 616 and cause a larger change in height of the fluid 608 in thesecond portion 616.

The annular vial 600 may include indicator marks (not shown) positionedcircumferentially around the annular vial 600 that are calibrated withthe amount of the fluid 608 within the cavity 606 to indicate when thevial 600 is level (i.e., horizontal). Alternatively, the indicator marksmay be located around the vial 600 on vial surrounds or a levelsupporting the vial 300. Additionally, because of the continuous annularcavity 606 the annular vial 600 may be used as both a level vial and aplumb vial to determine horizontal or vertical without the need toreorient the vial or use a separate vial.

FIGS. 21-22 illustrate a vial 700 for use with a level. The vial 700includes a body 704 defining an interior cavity 708. The interior cavity708 has a first portion 710 that contains a first fluid 712 and a secondportion 714 that contains air 716, or alternatively an immiscible secondfluid, when the vial 700 is horizontal, as shown in FIG. 21. The firstfluid 712 defines a fluid level 720. The vial 700 further includes areference line 722 to indicate that the vial 700 is horizontal when thefluid level 720 is aligned or parallel with the reference line 722, asshown in FIG. 21. The vial further includes a plurality of spacedobstructions 724 that define a plurality of narrow channels 728 betweenthe obstructions 724. The narrow channels 728 fluidly connect the firstportion 710 and the second portion 714 of the cavity 708. Theobstructions 724 reduce the cross-sectional area, and thus volume,between the first portion 410 and the second portion 714 to that of thenarrow channels 728. Thus, as the vial 700 is tilted the first fluid 712moves upwardly through the narrow channels 728 such that a height H3between the fluid level 720 and the reference line 722 is increased, asshown in FIG. 22. Due to the narrow channels 728 the visibility of thefluid level 720 and readability of the vial 700 is increased. As such, auser can more readily and accurately determine if the fluid level 420 isaligned with the reference line 722, and therefore more accuratelydetermine if a measured surface is level or plumb.

FIGS. 23-24 illustrate a vial 800 for use with a level. The vial 800includes a transparent cylindrical body 802 having an inner bore 804configured to hold a first constituent. In the illustrated embodiment,the first constituent is a fluid (e.g., alcohol, mineral spirits, etc.).A solid “bubble” or indicator 808 is suspended in the fluid. The solidindicator 808 includes a second constituent and a third constituent. Thesecond constituent is a sphere 812 and the third constituent is an outersurround 816 that is fitted over the sphere 812. The solid indicator 808replaces the air bubble of standard spirit level tools. The outersurround 816 is a cuboid that has a pair of opposite end faces 824 andfour longitudinal faces 828 extending between the end faces 824. Each ofthe longitudinal faces 828 defines a circular window 832. The sphere 812is formed from a dense material (e.g., metal, hard plastic, etc.) and issolid, although in some embodiments a hollow sphere may be employed.

As shown in FIG. 24, the sphere 812 is positioned within the cuboid 816such that the sphere 812 is partially enclosed by the cuboid 816. Thesphere 812 protrudes partially out of the circular windows 832. Thesphere 812 rotates freely within the cuboid 816 such that the sphere 812can roll along an inner surface of the bore 804, thereby allowing theindicator 808 to move axially within the cylindrical body 802 of thevial 800. As the vial 800 is tilted with respect to the axis beingmeasured the indicator 808 moves toward the lower end of the vial 800.The inner surface of the bore 804 has a concave or barrel shape thatallows for the indicator 808 to settle toward the center of the bore 804when the vial 800 is parallel to the axis being measured. In use,similar to levels that use air bubbles, a surface is indicated as levelor plumb, when the indicator 808 falls between a pair of indicator marksor lines on the body 802. The end faces 824 are parallel with theindicator lines on the cylindrical body 802 of the vial 800. Thus, thedistance between the end faces 824 and the corresponding indicator linemay be easily determined, increasing readability in comparison to asphere 812 or bubble. In addition, the color of the cuboid 820 and thematerial used to manufacture the cuboid 820 can be selected to assurethat the cuboid 820 stands out and is easily visible in common ordesired lighting circumstances. Therefore, the cuboid 820 providesincreased visibility and accuracy to the indicator 808 within the vial800. In alternative embodiments, one or both of the sphere 812 and thecuboid 820 may include a UV sensitive component that glows when exposedto UV light, as described above.

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate a digital level 910 for determining whether anobject or surface is level relative to true horizontal or adjusting anobject or surface to be a level surface relative to true horizontal. Thelevel 910 may be used to measure and level at different angles, e.g., 0degrees, and 90 degrees. In alternate embodiments the level 910 may beused to measure and level at additional angles, e.g., 30 degrees, and 45degrees. In further alternate embodiments the level 910 may be used tomeasure and level at all angles between 0 and 90 degrees. It should bereadily apparent that the level 910 may be used by a variety of usersand skilled technicians to perform a variety of leveling functions.

With reference to FIG. 27, in the illustrated embodiment, the level 910is a box type level and has a frame 912 that includes a front web 914and a back web 916 coupled to each of a top planar surface 918, and abottom planar surface 922. The front and back webs 914, 916 are spacedapart and substantially parallel. The top planar surface 918 is spacedapart from and substantially parallel to the bottom planar surface 922.The pair of parallel webs 914, top planar surface 918, and the bottomplanar surface 922, define a hollow box-shaped interior of the level910. A pair of top ribs 930 and a pair of bottom ribs 934 protrudeinwardly from the front and back webs 914, 916. The ribs 930, 934 extendlongitudinally along the length of the frame 912 parallel to the top andbottom planar surfaces 918, 922. The front web 914 defines a frontopening 938 and the back web 916 defines a back opening 942, as shown inFIG. 25. A battery compartment door (not shown) is configured toremovably cover the back opening 942.

With reference to FIGS. 25-26, the digital level 910 further includes anelectronics case assembly 950 that includes an electronics case 954 anda crossbar 958. The electronics case 954 includes a front face plate 962and a back portion 966 that supports electronics such as a controller, adigital display, and controls (not shown). The digital display may beconfigured to display the orientation of the level 910, such as theangle from true vertical (i.e., gravity) or true horizontal (i.e., 90degrees from gravity).

The crossbar 958 includes a horizontal portion 970 and vertical portions974 that each extends perpendicularly from the opposite ends of thehorizontal portion 970. A retaining portion 978 extends from each end ofeach of the vertical portions 974 and has a width approximately equal tothe space defined between the front and back webs 914, 916. The crossbar958 is received within the frame 912 by inserting the crossbar 958 intothe interior of the frame 912 along the length of the level 910 suchthat two of the retaining portions 978 slide along the pair of top ribs930 and the other two of the retaining portions 978 slide along the pairof bottom ribs 934, thereby supporting and aligning the crossbar 958vertically within the interior of the frame 912, as shown in FIG. 27.

With regard to the electronics case 954, the front face plate 962 iscoupled to the back portion 966 and extends beyond the perimeter of theback portion 966 so as to define a lip 982. The back portion 966 fitsthrough the front opening 938 of the level 910, such that the lip 982abuts the front web 914 around the front opening 938. The back portion966 has a back surface 986 and defines a pair of battery compartments990, and a channel 992. The channel 992 extends along a longitudinalcenter of the back surface 986 and receives the horizontal portion 970of the crossbar 958 to align and support the electronics case 954 withinthe front opening 938. A pair of pins 994 is positioned within thechannel 992. Each of the pins 994 is received by a pin aperture 996 inthe horizontal portion 970 of the crossbar 958 to assist in aligning thecrossbar 958 with the electronics case 954, once the electronics case954 is fitted within the front opening 938.

With reference to FIGS. 26 and 28, the digital level 910 furtherincludes a pair of fasteners 998 that couple the electronics case 954 tothe crossbar 958. The fasteners 998 provide a clamping force between thelip 982 of the electronics case 954 and the crossbar 958 on the frontweb 914 of the frame 912 to hold the electronics case 954 to the frame912. The fasteners 998 may be threaded screws, rivets, or another typeof fastener. Alternatively, the electronics case 954 and the crossbar958 may be coupled together by an adhesive (e.g., epoxy).

In order to assemble the digital level 910, one simply inserts thecrossbar 958 longitudinally into the interior of the frame 912, suchthat the retaining portions 978 align the crossbar 958 and prevent thecrossbar 958 from moving vertically. The crossbar 958 is slid along theribs 930, 934 until the crossbar 958 is positioned adjacent the frontand back openings 938, 942. The back portion 966 of the electronics case954 is then inserted into the front opening 938, such that the channel992 receives the horizontal portion 970 of the crossbar 958 and the pinapertures 996 receive the pins 994, thereby aligning the crossbar 958with the electronics case 954. The lip 982 of the electronics case 954abuts the front web 914. The fasteners 998 are then inserted through theback opening 942 (FIG. 28) and used to couple the crossbar 958 to theelectronics case 954, and provide a clamping force between the lip 982and the crossbar 958 to hold the electronics case 954 to the frame 912within the front opening 938. Lastly, the back opening 942 is covered bythe battery compartment door (not shown) to hide the fasteners 998 andinhibit contaminants from entering the interior of the frame 912.

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate a battery case 1000 for use with a level 1010that is similar to the level 910 of FIGS. 25-28. Specifically, withreference to FIG. 30, the level 1010 is a box type level and has a frame1012 that includes a front web 1014 and a back web 1016 coupled to eachof a top planar surface (not shown), and a bottom planar surface (notshown). The front and back webs 1014, 1016 are spaced apart andsubstantially parallel. The top planar surface is spaced apart from andsubstantially parallel to the bottom planar surface. The front and backwebs 1014, the top planar surface, and the bottom planar surface, definea hollow box-shaped interior of the level 1010. A pair of ribs 1020(only one is shown in FIG. 30) protrudes inwardly from the front web1014. The ribs 1020 extend longitudinally along the length of the frame1012 parallel to the top and bottom planar surfaces. The back web 1016may also define another pair of ribs (not shown) that mirrors the ribs1020 extending from the front web 1014. The back web 1016 defines abattery case opening 1024. The front web 1014 defines a push buttonopening 1028.

The battery case 1000 includes a first portion 1032, a second portion1036, and a battery compartment cover 1040. The first portion 1032defines a pair of channels 1044 that are spaced apart the same distanceas the pair of ribs 1020 on the frame 1012. The first portion 1032 maybe received within an open end (not shown) of the frame 1012 such thatthe channels 1044 receive the ribs 1020 of the frame 1012 to align thefirst portion 1032 to slide along the length of the frame 1012 on theribs 1020. Alternatively, the first portion 1032 may be received withinthe battery case opening 1024 and aligned with the ribs 1020. The firstportion 1032 and the second portion 1036 define a battery compartmentfor receiving batteries 1048. The first portion 1032 also defines anaperture 1052 for a push button 1072. The first portion 1032 is mountedand aligned within the frame 1012 so that that the aperture 1052 in thefirst portion 1032 aligns with the push button opening 1028 such thatthe push button 1072 extends through the push button opening 1028.

With reference to FIGS. 30-31, the second portion 1036 includes threetabs 1056 having openings that are aligned with corresponding threadedbores in the first portion 1032. Each of the openings in the tabs 1056and the corresponding threaded bores in the first portion 1032 receive athreaded fastener 1060 to join the second portion 1036 to the firstportion 1032. The second portion 1036 further includes a lip 1064 thatextends around the perimeter of the battery case opening 1024. The lip1064 of the second portion 1036 and an outer wall 1066 of the firstportion clamp the back web 1016 around the perimeter of the battery caseopening 1024, when the fasteners 1060 are tightened, thereby securingthe battery case 1000 to the frame 1012 within the battery case opening1024 and inhibiting the battery case 1000 from sliding longitudinallyalong the ribs 1020. The battery compartment cover 1040 is positionableover the second portion 1036 to cover the battery compartment. A batterycompartment cover fastener 1068 is then used to couple the batterycompartment cover 1040 to the second portion 1036 of the battery case1000, thereby holding the batteries 1048 within the battery compartmentand inhibiting the introduction of contaminants.

In order to assemble the battery case 1000 to the level 1010, one simplyinserts the first portion 1032 into the interior of the frame 1012 froman open end of the frame 1012, such that the channels 1044 receive andslide along the ribs 1020, transversely aligning the first portion 1032within the frame 1012. The first portion 1032 is then positioned withinthe interior of the frame 1012 to be adjacent the battery case opening1024 such that the push button 1072 extends through the push buttonopening 1028. The second portion 1036 is then inserted through thebattery case opening 1024 such that the openings on the tabs 1056 alignwith the openings on the first portion 1032. Tightening the fasteners1060 couples the first portion 1032 to the second portion 1036, andthereby clamping the back web 1016 between the lip 1064 of the secondportion 1036 and the outer wall 1066 of the first portion 1032, securingthe battery case 1000 to the frame 1012 of the level 1010. The batterycompartment cover 1040 is then positioned over the battery compartmentsand secured by the battery compartment cover fastener 1068 to the secondportion 1036.

FIGS. 32-37 illustrate a level 1110 for determining whether an object orsurface is level relative to true horizontal or adjusting an object orsurface to be a level surface relative to true horizontal. The level1110 may be used to measure and level at different angles, e.g., 0degrees, and 90 degrees. In alternate embodiments the level 1110 may beused to measure and level at additional angles, e.g., 30 degrees, and 45degrees. It should be readily apparent that the level 1110 may be usedby a variety of users and skilled technicians to perform a variety ofleveling functions.

With reference to FIG. 32, in the illustrated embodiment, the level 1110is a box type level and has a frame 1112 substantially similar to theframe 912 of FIGS. 25-28. Specifically, the frame 1112 of the level 1110shown in FIG. 32, includes a front web 1114 and a back web 1116 coupledto each of a top planar surface 1118, and a bottom planar surface 1122.The front and back webs 1114, 1116 are spaced apart and substantiallyparallel. The top planar surface 1118 is spaced apart from andsubstantially parallel to the bottom planar surface 1122. The pair ofparallel webs 1114, top planar surface 1118, and the bottom planarsurface 1122, define a hollow box-shaped interior of the level 1110. Apair of top ribs 1126 and a pair of bottom ribs 1128 protrude inwardlyfrom the front and back webs 1114, 1116. The ribs 1126, 1128 extendalong the length of the frame 1112 and are parallel to the top andbottom planar surfaces 1118, 1122. The front web 1114 defines a frontopening 1130 and the back web 1116 defines a back opening 1132. Thefront opening 1130 and the back opening 1132 are substantially aligned,as shown in FIG. 32.

With continued reference to FIG. 32, the level 1110 includes a vial1134, and a vial mounting assembly 1138. The vial mounting assembly 1138includes a mounting cartridge 1142, a front vial surround 1146, and aback vial surround 1150. The mounting cartridge 1142 has a vertical web1154 and a pair of flanges 1158 that form a substantially I-shaped body.The vertical web 1154 defines a vial mounting opening 1160 for receivingthe vial 1134 (FIG. 33). The mounting cartridge 1142 is received withinan open end of the frame 1112 so as to align and capture each of theflanges 1158 via one of the top ribs 1126 and the bottom ribs 1128,allowing the mounting cartridge 1142 to slide along the length of theframe 1112. The mounting cartridge 1142 is secured to the frame via apair of fasteners 1162. The mounting cartridge 1142 defines a pair ofinjection holes 1166 that are each in fluid communication with acorresponding internal channel 1170 for receiving epoxy (FIG. 34). Eachof the internal channels 1170 defines a first pair of outlets 1174 and asecond pair of outlets 1178. The first pair of outlets 1174 are adjacentthe vial mounting opening 1160 to provide epoxy generally around theperimeter of the vial 1134 to secure the vial 1134 within the vialmounting opening 1160 in the mounting cartridge 1142. The second pair ofoutlets 1178 are positioned adjacent the frame 1112 to provide epoxygenerally between the mounting cartridge 1142 and the frame 1112.

The back vial surround 1150 includes snap fit members 1186, injectionhole pins 1188, and a viewing window. The back vial surround 1150 isremovably receivable within the back opening 1132. When received withinthe back opening 1132, the injection hole pins 1188 are received withinthe injection holes 1166. The snap fit members 1186 engage withcorresponding prongs (not shown) on the mounting cartridge 1142 tosecure the back vial surround 1150 within the back opening 1132 in theback web 1116. Similarly, the front vial surround 1146 includes snap fitmembers 1196, injection hole pins 1198, and a viewing window, and isremovably receivable within the front opening 1130. When received withinthe front opening 1130 in the front web 1114, the injection hole pins1198 extend into the injection holes 1166. The snap fit members 1196engage with prongs 1194 on the mounting cartridge 1142 to secure thefront vial surround 1146 within the front opening 1130 in the front web1114 and retain the vial 1134 within the vial mounting opening 1160. Thefront and back vial surrounds 1146, 1150 are each co-molded with athermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmold.

In order to assemble the vial mounting assembly 1138 with the frame1112, one simply inserts the mounting cartridge 1142 into the end vialmounting opening 1160 of the frame 1112 and slides the mountingcartridge 1142 into position adjacent the front and back openings 1130,1132 in the frame 1112. The mounting cartridge 1142 is then secured tothe frame 1112 via the fasteners 1162. Next, the vial 1134 is insertedthrough either the front or back vial openings 1130, 1132 in the frame1112 and received within the vial mounting opening 1160 of the mountingcartridge 1142. The vial 1134 is initially set with cyanoacrylate (e.g.,superglue) or a similar adhesive. Then, the back vial surround 1150 isinserted into the back opening 1132 in the frame 1112 and secured to themounting cartridge 1142 via the snap fit members 1186 and thecorresponding prongs. Epoxy, or a similar adhesive, is then injectedinto each of the injection holes 1166 in the mounting cartridge 1142 soas to flow through the internal channels 1170. The epoxy exits throughthe first pair of outlets 1174 providing and directing epoxy around theouter perimeter of the vial 1134 between the vial 1134 and the mountingcartridge 1142. The epoxy also exits the second pair of outlets 1178providing epoxy between the mounting cartridge 1142 and the frame 1112.Lastly, the front vial surround 1146 is inserted through the frontopening 1130 and secured to the mounting cartridge 1142 via the snap fitmembers 1196 and the corresponding prongs 1194.

With reference to FIGS. 35-37, the level 1110 further includes a magnetmounting assembly 1200. The magnet mounting assembly 1200 includes amagnet mounting body 1204, a pair of magnets 1208, and a strap 1212. Themagnets 1208 are neodymium magnets, and the strap 1212 is made of steel.The magnet mounting body 1204 has a base 1216, and a plurality of outerwalls 1220 that extend from the base 1216 to define recesses thatreceive and retain each of the magnets 1208. The magnets 1208 are spacedapart by a half wall 1224, and are connected by the strap 1212 to form amagnetic circuit. The strap 1212 is also received by the outer walls1220. The magnetic circuit formed by the strap 1212 increases themagnetic hold strength of the magnets 1208. The magnet mounting body1204 further includes four resilient flexible snap fit arms 1232 thatextend from the base 1216 and a plurality of protrusion 1228 that extendfrom the base 1216 and the outer walls 1220. The magnet mountingassembly 1200 is receivable within a magnet mounting assembly aperture1236 defined by the bottom planar surface 1122. When the magnet mountingassembly 1200 is inserted into the magnet mounting assembly aperture1236, the resilient flexible snap fit arms 1232 deflect inward due tothe respective bottom ribs 1128 and snap over the bottom ribs 1128,thereby pinching the pair of bottom ribs 1128 between the snap fit arms1232 and the protrusions 1228. The protrusions 1228 abut the bottom ribs1128 to inhibit the magnet mounting assembly 1200 from being overinserted through the magnet mounting assembly aperture 1236. When themagnet mounting assembly 1200 is secured in place, the bottom surface ofthe base 1216 is substantially flush with the bottom planar surface 1122of the frame 1112.

In order to assemble the magnet mounting assembly 1200 with the frame1112, one simply inserts the magnets 1208 into the correspondingrecesses defined by the outer walls 1220 and the half wall 1224. Thestrap 1212 is then inserted into the recess and magnetically connectsthe magnets 1208. The magnets 1208 and the strap 1212 may be held inplace by an adhesive. Once the magnets 1208 and the strap 1212 are inplace, inserting the magnet mounting assembly 1200 into the magnetmounting assembly aperture 1236 causes the snap fit arms 1232 to deflectinwardly and snap over each of the respective bottom ribs 1128, therebysecuring the magnet mounting assembly 1200 to the frame 1112. The bottomplanar surface 1122 of the level 1110 may then be placed against aferromagnetic surface (e.g., an iron pipe) such that the magnets 1208hold the level 1110 in place.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the inventionas described. For example, features of each of the variousconfigurations of levels and vials described may be combined in anyviable combination to obtain a vial or level including a vial with anycombination of the various described features.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described with specificreference to UV light, other types of light and/or light sensitivecomponents may also be used. For example, the vials could include orcontain any compound/chemical that luminesces or fluoresces when exposedto a specific wavelength of light, regardless of whether the light is inthe UV spectrum.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described with specificreference to vial assemblies that are configured to measure 0 degreesand 90 degrees, other vials configured to measure various angles may beused. For example, the vials could be oriented at, for example, 30degrees and 45 degrees to measure and level at these angles.

Furthermore, although the level 10 illustrated and described above is abox level, the invention may also apply to other types of levels, suchas torpedo levels, masonry levels, I-beam levels, utility levels, andthe like.

In addition, the figures provided herein illustrate vials as beinggenerally cylindrical. However, as one of ordinary skill in the art willrealize, the inner bore of the vials is preferably barrel shaped toallow the bubble to settle at the center when the vial is orientedparallel to true horizontal.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A level comprising: a frame comprising at leastone horizontal planar surface; and a vial assembly supported by theframe, the vial assembly comprising: a vial body defining an interior; afirst constituent located within the interior; a second constituentlocated within the interior, the second constituent movable within thevial body in response to an orientation of the level; and a componentreactive to UV light to increase visibility of a portion of the vialassembly.
 2. The level of claim 1, further comprising a UV light sourcesupported by the frame and positioned to direct UV light toward the vialassembly, wherein the component emits visible light in response toabsorption of UV light from the UV light source.
 3. The level of claim2, wherein the UV light source comprises a plurality of UV generatingLEDs, each of the UV generating LEDs has a light emitting point, andeach of the plurality of UV generating LEDs is positioned adjacent anend of the vial body and is oriented such that the light emitting pointis positioned within the interior of the vial body.
 4. The level ofclaim 2, wherein the vial assembly further includes a pair of end capswith one of the end caps positioned at each end of the vial body.
 5. Thelevel of claim 4, wherein at least one of the end caps includes a well,and the UV light source extends into the interior of the vial body andis located within the well.
 6. The level of claim 1, wherein thecomponent is a UV reactive additive embedded in a portion of the vialassembly.
 7. The level of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises:a top planar surface and the at least one horizontal planar surface is abottom planar surface; and a web coupling the top planar surface to thebottom planar surface; wherein the top planar surface is parallel to thebottom planar surface.
 8. The level of claim 1, wherein the component isa UV reactive additive embedded in the vial body.
 9. The level of claim1, wherein the component is a coating layer including a UV reactiveadditive.
 10. The level of claim 1, wherein the component is a UVreactive additive dispersed within the first constituent.
 11. The levelof claim 1, wherein the second constituent is a gas bubble locatedwithin the vial body.
 12. A level comprising: a frame comprising atleast one horizontal planar surface; a vial assembly supported by theframe, the vial assembly comprising: a vial body defining an interior; afirst constituent located within the interior; a second constituentlocated within the interior, the second constituent movable within thevial body in response to an orientation of the level; and a componentreactive to UV light to increase visibility of a portion of the vialassembly; and a UV light source supported by the frame and positioned todirect UV light toward the component, wherein the UV light source has alight emitting point, wherein the UV light source is positioned suchthat the light emitting point is located within the interior of the vialbody.
 13. The level of claim 12, wherein the component is at least oneof: embedded in a material of the vial body and dispersed within thefirst constituent.
 14. The level of claim 12, wherein the secondconstituent is a gas bubble located within the interior of the vialbody.
 15. A level, comprising: a frame including a planar surface; avial assembly supported by the frame, the vial assembly comprising: avial body defining an interior; a longitudinal axis passing through acenter of the vial body; a first constituent located within theinterior; a second constituent located within the interior, the secondconstituent movable within the vial body in response to an orientationof the level; and a light source comprising a light emitting point,wherein the light source is positioned such that the light emittingpoint is located within the interior of the vial body.
 16. The level ofclaim 15, further comprising a second light source, wherein the lightsource and the second light source are aligned along the longitudinalaxis of the vial body.
 17. The level of claim 15, wherein the vialassembly further includes an end cap positioned at an end of the vialbody, wherein the end cap supports the light source relative to the vialbody.
 18. The level of claim 17, wherein the end cap defines a well thatextends at least partially into the interior of the vial body and atleast partially receives the light source, wherein a portion of thelight source received by the well of the end cap extends into theinterior of the vial body.
 19. The level of claim 15, further comprisinga light sensitive component that emits light in response to exposure tolight emitted by the light source.
 20. The level of claim 15, whereinthe light source is an LED and is located adjacent an end of the vialbody.